Baked Ziti in Cheesy Tomato Sauce with Ground Sausage: A Comforting Italian Classic

There’s something about a rich, cheesy pasta dish that makes it the ultimate comfort food, and Baked Ziti in Cheesy Tomato Sauce with Ground Sausage is the epitome of this comforting indulgence. This dish brings together the satisfying textures of tender ziti pasta, savory ground sausage, a tangy tomato sauce, and a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s baked to perfection, resulting in a cheesy, bubbling masterpiece that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

What sets this recipe apart is the use of ground sausage, which adds a hearty and flavorful punch to the dish. Combined with a well-seasoned tomato sauce, the sausage gives the dish a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese and pasta. The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a classic Italian meal that feels like a treat.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for your family, Baked Ziti with Ground Sausage will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Ziti in Cheesy Tomato Sauce with Ground Sausage is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. The combination of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. The simplicity of the ingredients, along with the ease of preparation, makes it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a weekend feast. This recipe also makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors deepen and the dish reheats beautifully. With just a few steps, you can create a classic, hearty dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta
• Ground sausage
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

• Use different meats: While ground sausage adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian twist, swap the sausage for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, or use a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Add extra cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or provolone for an extra creamy texture and flavor.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Baked Ziti with spinach: Incorporate fresh spinach into the sauce for added nutrition and color.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking the ziti once it’s assembled.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the sausage and vegetables

In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Combine the pasta and sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta and the tomato sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 6: Layer the dish

Pour half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy!

Once baked, remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Sausage!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook the ziti just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
• Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning in the sauce according to your preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or oregano to suit your taste.
• Use a deep baking dish: Since this recipe involves layering, ensure your baking dish is deep enough to hold all the ingredients.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just make sure to bake it for a bit longer if it’s cold from the fridge.

How to Serve

Baked Ziti with Ground Sausage is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. If you want to make it extra special, a side of Caesar salad would complement the richness of the dish perfectly. This recipe is also great for meal prep, making it easy to store and reheat for later.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover it with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

For reheating individual servings, simply microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or heat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you prefer.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground sausage with sautéed vegetables, plant-based sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

4. Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce works great in this recipe. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and rich in flavor.

5. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

To prevent the cheese from burning, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.

6. Can I use a different kind of sausage?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of sausage such as Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage.

7. How do I know when the baked ziti is done?

The ziti is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.

8. Can I freeze Baked Ziti?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing, and bake it from frozen when ready.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy sausage to give the dish a little extra heat.

10. How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe serves approximately 6 people, depending on portion size.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti in Cheesy Tomato Sauce with Ground Sausage is a classic Italian comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With its hearty sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, Baked Ziti will quickly become a crowd favorite. Make it ahead of time, store the leftovers, and enjoy a comforting meal all week long. This cheesy, satisfying dish is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.

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